Roofing bracket for supporting a platform

ABSTRACT

A base element for assembly of a roofing bracket comprises a fastening means for temporarily or attaching the base element to a metal or non-metal roof and an upper surface. The upper surface comprises a means for engagement of an underside of an upper member of the roofing bracket. The upper member can be selectively attached to the base element in a first or second position.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/893,250 entitled “Roofing Bracket for Supporting a Platform” filed Mar. 6, 2007. This application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a base element used in the assembly of roofing brackets, and to roofing brackets used for the support of roofing accessories and equipment.

Roofing brackets have been used for many years for supporting roofing accessories and equipment. Usually, a roofing bracket is designed for the attachment of a specific type of accessory. For example, a certain class of roofing brackets has been designed for the support of one or more planks to provide a generally horizontal platform for use by roofers. Another class of roofing brackets can be used only for the attachment of safety lanyards. Yet a third class includes roofing brackets designed solely for the attachment of accessories such as a security light, a satellite dish, an access ladder, a flag pole or a snow guard.

Usually the brackets are fixed temporarily to the roof. In the case of non-metal roofs, this entails the use of nails removably fixed to the roof through holes or slots in a base portion of the bracket such that the bracket can be easily detached from the roof, for re-positioning, without removing the nails. These means are typically not used for metal roofs, due to the resulting permanent puncture damage to the roof. Rather, on metal roofs the typical bracket is temporarily attached to a roof seam with the aid of non-piercing bolts or clamps. In other instances, the underside of the base element of the bracket comprises a material that grips the metal roof.

In the case of assembling platforms for non-metal roofs, many of the known roof brackets are designed so that the supported platform is only truly horizontal at a particular roof angle. However, some are designed so that the angle between the roof and the platform supported by the bracket can be varied to suit different degrees of roof slope. Typical of the variable-angle roof brackets are those shown in the following U.S. patents and published application:

Application No. 2007/0022702 to Lallier, published Feb. 1, 2007,

U.S. Pat. No. 6,729,101, issued May 4, 2004 to Macri et al.,

U.S. Pat. No. 6,220,390, issued Apr. 24, 2001 to Pike,

U.S. Pat. No. 6,045,102, issued Apr. 4, 2000 to Terenzoni,

U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,578, issued Nov. 23, 1999 to Davies,

U.S. Pat. No. 5,979,600, issued Nov. 9, 1999 to Bitner,

U.S. Pat. No. 5,379,859, issued Jan. 10, 1995 to Pigman,

U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,148, issued Jun. 7, 1994 to Franco et al.,

U.S. Pat. No. 4,884,775, issued Dec. 5, 1989 to Fischer, Jr.,

U.S. Pat. No. 4,856,745, issued Aug. 15, 1989 to Mabie,

U.S. Pat. No. 2,496,556, issued Feb. 7, 1950 to Nelson,

U.S. Pat. No. 1,691,478, issued Nov. 13, 1928 to Henderson,

U.S. Pat. No. 1,592,384, issued Jul. 13, 1026 to Peck,

U.S. Pat. No. 1,341,597, issued May 25, 1920 to Showalter,

U.S. Pat. No. 1,111,707, issued Sep. 22, 1914 to Schorn, and

U.S. Pat. No. 687,666, issued Nov. 26, 1901 to Spring.

The above patents and published application show various means for altering the angle of the platform-supporting surface relative to a base which attaches to a roof. Most use pivotal props which can be engaged in different positions to hold the platform-supporting surface at different orientations, and some use turnbuckles. However, in practice many roofing brackets do not permit any angular adjustment, suggesting the need for a simple and sturdy roofing bracket that can easily be used at different angles and does not rely on the engagement of a prop.

In EP 1,852,562 and EP 1,882,066, Hedlund discloses a multi-bracket for non-metal roofs that specifically supports a snow-guard, while also providing a deformation portion for receiving and levelling excessive loads, such as pulling loads from a falling person who is attached via a lifeline. Once deformed, a new bracket must replace the damaged bracket.

Several types of seam clamps have been disclosed that attach to specific roofing equipment or to assemblies that enhance the strength of the metal roof. The prior art in this field suffers from a number of drawbacks. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,033, the seam is disfigured permanently by bolts that attach the clamp to the seam directly, which increases the likelihood of roof leakage. In both U.S. Pat. No. 6,725,623 and US Patent Publication No 2006/0096238, the clamp is specifically designed for a particular type of roofing attachment, thereby making the clamp unable to adapt to other roofing accessories. A similar drawback is present in both U.S. Pat. No. 6,725,623 and Canadian Patent No. 2,094,310, wherein the clamp has a specific design for a particular shape of the metal roof seam. This feature limits the use of the clamp to seams of a certain shape. Finally, the clamps disclosed in the above prior art require a number of small parts and screws for attachment to the seam, thereby increasing the complexity of clamp assembly.

There is thus a need for an all-purpose, sturdy base element that can be temporarily attached to both metal and non-metal roofs, and which serves as a base for the attachment of a variety of upper members that support roofing accessories and equipment. For example, the base element can easily be used with an attachment that supports different sized planks at different angles without the engagement of a prop. The same base element can also be attached to form a bracket that supports accessories such as a guy tire an anchor, a security light, a satellite dish, an access ladder, a flag pole or a snow guard.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a base element for assembly of a roofing bracket, wherein the roofing bracket has an upper member. The base element comprises a fastening means for removably attaching the base element to a roof. The upper surface of the base element comprises a means for engagement of an underside of the roofing bracket's upper member such that the upper member can be selectively and removably attached to the base element.

In one embodiment, the fastening means includes slots for receiving nails to attach the base element to a non-metal roof.

In another embodiment for metal roofs which have seams, the fastening means is a clamping bracket of a seam clamp. Such a seam clamp can comprise a first jaw and second jaw. Each jaw has a top portion, an inner surface with a cavity therein for receiving a standing seam, and an outer surface. The clamping bracket is positioned over the first and second jaws. The clamping bracket includes a base portion having a first leg and second leg. Each leg is positioned adjacent one of the outer surfaces. The clamping bracket also has an upper portion positioned adjacent the top portion of the first jaw and second jaw, joining the legs; and a securing bolt penetrating one of the first or second legs of the clamping bracket for fastening the first and second jaws together, securing the clamping bracket to the first and second jaws, and clamping the first and second jaws to the standing seam. The upper portion of the clamping bracket is attached to the upper surface of the base element.

The upper surface of the base element preferably has keyhole slots, and the underside of the upper member has depending undercut lugs for engagement with the keyhole slots of the base member in either of the two positions.

In one embodiment, the upper surface of the base element has an elongated slot, while the underside of the upper member has a depending elongated lug for engaging the elongated slot of the upper surface in either of said two positions.

The base element preferably includes a locking mechanism to secure the upper element to the base element.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a roofing bracket for supporting a platform on a sloping roof such that the platform may be generally horizontal. The roofing bracket comprises a base element. The base element comprises a fastening means for removably attaching the base element to a roof. The base element also has an upper surface that engages an upper member. The upper member has an underside readily attachable to the upper surface of the base element in first and second positions. The upper member has two platform support surfaces oriented so that one platform support surface lies at a relatively shallow angle to the underside, and the other support surface lies at a relatively steep angle to the underside. The upper member can be removably attached to the base member in the first position resulting in the first platform support surface being generally horizontal when the roofing bracket is used on a relatively shallow angled roof. Alternatively, the upper member can be removably attached to the base member in the second position resulting in the second platform support surface being generally horizontal when the roofing bracket is used on a relatively steeply angled roof.

The two platform support surfaces form a triangle with the underside of the upper member so that one of these support surfaces can be made uppermost by orientating the upper member in one of two positions at 180° to each other. Each of the support surfaces preferably includes a plank retaining lip at the outer end of the surface remote from the underside.

Typically the first platform support lies at an angle of between 40 and 50° to the underside, and the second platform support lies at an angle of between 60 and 70° to the underside. As used herein, references to “relatively shallow” and “relatively steep” are to be understood as including these angles. Such an upper member supports any size planks, including standard 2×6 and 2×10 planks.

It is also typical that the first platform support lies at an angle of between 40 and 50° to the underside, and the second platform support lies at an angle of between 85 and 95° to the underside. Again, such an upper member supports any size planks, including standard 2×6 and 2×10 planks.

The prior art includes many examples of roofing brackets that are non-adjustable, from which it appears that the angle at which the platform is held is not critical. Thus, the term “generally horizontal” should be understood in this context as meaning that the platform should preferably be within about 20° of the horizontal, at least for most sloping roofs.

In one embodiment, the base has a flat lower portion adapted to lie against a roof surface and has a raised portion, the raised portion having keyhole slots, and the underside of the upper member has depending undercut lugs for engaging in the keyhole slots in either of the two positions.

In another embodiment, the base element has a lower portion adapted to engage a seam, as described above.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a roofing bracket for supporting a platform on a sloping roof such that the platform may be generally horizontal, comprising a base element, wherein the base element comprises a fastening means for removably attaching the base element to the roof, and an upper surface. The base element also comprises an upper member having an underside readily attachable to the upper surface of the base element in first and second different positions. The upper member has a platform support surface that lies at about a relatively right angle to the underside, such that the upper member can be selectively attached to the base member in the first position or second position. In either position, the platform support surface is generally horizontal when the roofing bracket is used on a roof with a relatively deep slope. This type of upper member supports any size planks, including standard 2×4 and 2×6 planks.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a roofing bracket comprising a base element and an upper member that ARE either permanently attached to each other or which together form one integral member. The base element comprises a fastening means for removably attaching the base element to a roof. The upper surface of the base element comprises a means for engagement of an underside of the roofing bracket's upper member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the base of the roofing bracket,

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the base of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a detailed side view of the base of FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of the base of the roofing bracket,

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the base of FIG. 4,

FIG. 6 is a detailed side view of the base of FIG. 4,

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of the base of the roofing bracket,

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the base of FIG. 7,

FIG. 9 is a detailed side view of the base of FIG. 7,

FIG. 10 a is a detailed side view of an embodiment of an upper member that attaches to the base of FIG. 1,

FIG. 10 b is a detailed side view of an embodiment of an upper member similar to that of FIG. 10 a,

FIG. 11 is an underside plan view of the upper member of FIG. 10 a,

FIG. 12 a is a top perspective view of the roofing bracket comprising an upper member attached to the base member of FIG. 1,

FIG. 12 b is a top perspective view of the roofing bracket of FIG. 12 a, with the upper member engaged to the base at an angle of 180° relative to its position in FIG. 12 a,

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the upper member designed to accommodate a 2×6 platform,

FIG. 14 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the upper member designed to accommodate a 2×10 platform.

FIG. 15 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of an upper member that engages the base member of FIGS. 4-6.

FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of an anchor that engages the base member of FIGS. 4-6.

FIG. 17 shows a top perspective view of a roof bracket comprising the upper element of FIG. 15 with the base member of FIG. 4.

FIG. 18 shows a top perspective view of a roof bracket comprising the anchor of FIG. 16 with the base member of FIG. 4.

FIG. 19 a is a top perspective view of the roofing bracket comprising an upper member attached to the base member of FIG. 4,

FIG. 19 b is top perspective view of the roofing bracket comprising an upper member attached to the base member of FIG. 4, at an angle of 180° relative to its position in FIG. 19 a,

FIG. 20 is an underside perspective view of an upper member designed to engage the base member of FIG. 7,

FIG. 21 a is a top perspective view of the roofing bracket comprising an upper member attached to the base member of FIG. 7,

FIG. 21 b is a top perspective view of the roofing bracket comprising an upper member attached to the base member of FIG. 7, at an angle of 180° relative to its position in FIG. 21 a,

FIG. 22 a is a top perspective view of the roofing bracket comprising an upper member attached to the base member of FIG. 7,

FIG. 22 b is a top perspective view of the roofing bracket comprising an upper member attached to the base member of FIG. 7, at an angle of 180° relative to its position in FIG. 21 a,

FIG. 23 is a top perspective view an upper member engaged to the base member of FIG. 7.

FIG. 24 is a top perspective view of an eye engaged to the base member of FIG. 7.

FIG. 25 is a side view of the roofing bracket shown in FIGS. 1-5 as used on a roof with a relatively shallow slope and showing a plank which provides the platform,

FIG. 26 is a side view of the roofing bracket of FIG. 6, as adapted for use on a roof with a relatively steep slope by re-arrangement of the upper member on the base, and

FIG. 27 is a front perspective view of a base element for a metal roof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate one embodiment of the base (10), which may be a metal pressing or a casting, preferably made of steel. It and has a flat underside portion including an attachment strip (10 a) at a normally upper end, and which divides into spaced surface portions (10 b) separated by a flat raised portion (10 c) extending down to the normally lower end. The attachment strip (10 a) has angled slots (12) for receiving nails or other suitable attachment means allowing the strip to be temporarily and removably secured to a roof.

The flat raised portion 10 c is parallel to the underside and connected thereto by sloping shoulders (10 d). The raised portion (10 c) has a pair of keyhole-shaped slots (14) adjacent its ends, with the larger ends of the keyhole slots being at the normally upper end. The raised portion (10 c) is preferably cast, rather than welded, for enhanced structural strength.

FIGS. 4-6 show another embodiment of the base member (100), in which the shoulders (100 d) are vertical. In addition, there are three slots (114), with two sets of angled slots (112) on either side of the attachment strip (110 a).

FIGS. 7-9 show another embodiment (200) of the base. Here, a T-shaped track (216) is used instead of keyholes, to engage the upper member. The T-shaped track extends from one extremity of the flat raised portion 210 c, towards the other extremity. However, the track (216) does not extend completely to the other extremity, in order to securely engage the upper member. In addition, there is small hole (217) in each shoulder (210 d) for use with a bolt (not shown) that serves as a locking mechanism between the base and the upper member.

FIG. 10 a shows an upper member (20), which is a metal casting, such as an aluminium-zinc alloy or ductile iron, and which is of triangular form having flat rectangular flanges all around, as seen in plan view in FIG. 11. Those skilled in the art would recognize that flanges are a common occurrence in metal casting. In addition, flanges serve to shield sharp edges and corners, thereby enhancing the safety of the bracket. The upper member (20) has an underside (22), a first outer surface (24) lying at an angle of 45° to the underside, and a second outer surface (26) lying at an angle of 60° to the underside and meeting the surface (24) at an apex. These surfaces are supported by a central, triangular gusset or web plate (28), preferably apertured for lightness. FIG. 10 b shows an upper member (520) that includes a central, triangular gusset or web plate (528) that has no apertures. The placement location and shape of these holes (27) allows for the even distribution of the load. Not only do the apertures cut down on the overall weight of the upper member (20), one can also hang equipment or other attachments from the holes (27). In the depicted embodiment, the holes (27) are circular, although other forms of the holes are also contemplated. The underside (22) has two undercut lugs (30) dimensioned and spaced to fit within and to positively engage the keyhole slots (14) in the base portion (10 c) of the base member shown in FIGS. 1-3, so that the upper member can be selectively positioned on the base in two different positions orientated at 180° to each other. FIG. 12 a shows the upper member (20) positioned on the base (10), while FIG. 12 b shows the same upper member (20) engaged to the same base at an angle of 180° relative to its position in FIG. 12 a.

Each of the outer surfaces (24) and (26) has, at its outer end, a stop member (24 a), (26 a), and an interned lip (24 b), (26 b), designed to retain a plank in position. These stops and lips are formed adjacent to each other and provide mutual support, and are designed so that each surface (24), (26) can accommodate the same size of plank. FIG. 13 shows an upper member designed to accommodate a 2×6 plank, while FIG. 14 shows an upper member designed to accommodate a 2×10 plank, In both FIGS. 13 and 14, the first outer surface (24) lies at an angle of 45° to the underside, and the second outer surface (26) lies at an angle of 60° to the underside.

FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of an upper member (40) that attaches to the base member of FIGS. 4-6. This upper member (40), which is of a metal casting, such as aluminium-zinc alloy or ductile iron, is designed to support a plank. It comprises a platform (47) and an element (48) that emanates about perpendicularly from the platform (47). At its extremity, the perpendicular element (48) has a stop member (49), and an interned lip (50), designed to retain a plank in position. FIG. 17 shows the engagement of the upper element (40) with the base member (100) of FIG. 4.

FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of an anchor (60) that attaches to the base member shown in FIGS. 4-6. The anchor (60) comprises a platform (61); two legs (62 a and 62 b) that are each attached to the platform (61). At the top of each leg is a hole (64) for receiving an end of a cylindrical element (65); the cylindrical element (65) thus connects to each of the legs. FIG. 18 shows the engagement of the anchor (60) with the base member (100).

The base member shown in FIGS. 4-6 can also engage with an upper member of the type shown in either of FIGS. 10 a and 11. FIG. 19 a shows an upper member (80) (designed to support planks) engaged with the base member (100), while FIG. 19 b shows the same upper member (80) engaged to the same base member (100) at an angle of 180° relative to its position in FIG. 19 a.

FIG. 20 shows an underside perspective of an upper member 90 similar to that shown in FIGS. 10 a and 11, with the exception that the underside (91) of this upper member has a rectangular-shaped element (92) dimensioned and spaced to fit within and to positively engage the T-shaped slot (214) in the base portion 210 c of the base member (200) shown in FIG. 7, so that the upper member can be selectively positioned on the base member in two different positions orientated at 180° to each other. FIG. 21 a shows the upper element (90) engaged with the base member (200), while FIG. 21 b shows the same upper element (90) engaged to the same base member (200) at an angle of 180° relative to its position in FIG. 21 a.

FIG. 22 a is a top perspective view of the roofing bracket comprising an upper member (95) engaged to the base member (200). As with the other upper members of the present invention that have a triangular form, the upper member (95) is a metal casting, such as of aluminium-zinc alloy or ductile iron, having flat rectangular flanges all around. The upper member (95) has a flat portion (122), a first outer surface (124) lying at an angle of 45° to the flat portion, and a second outer surface (126) lying at an angle of 90° to the flat portion and meeting the surface (124) at an apex. These surfaces are supported by a central, triangular gusset or web plate (128), preferably apertured to decrease their weight. The underside has a rectangular element dimensioned and spaced to fit within and to positively engage the T-shaped slot (214) in the base portion (210 c) of the base member (200), so that the upper member can be selectively positioned on the base in two different positions orientated at 180° to each other. FIG. 22 b shows the same upper member (95) engaged to the base member (200) at an angle of 180° relative to its position in FIG. 22 a.

Each of the outer surfaces (124) and (126) has, at its extremity, a stop member (124 a), (126 a), and a lip (124 b), (126 b), designed to retain a plank in position. These stops and lips are formed adjacent to each other and provide mutual support, and are designed so that each surface (124), (126) can accommodate the same size of plank.

Various shapes and configurations of upper members can be attached to the base member. An example of a bracket for the support of two different-sized planks is shown in FIG. 23, where the upper member (105) is engaged to the base member (200). In this embodiment, the upper member (105), which is of a metal casting, such as aluminium-zinc alloy or ductile iron, comprises a horizontal platform (147) and an element (148) that emanates about perpendicularly from the platform (147). At its extremity, the perpendicular element (148) has two stop members (151 a), (152 a), each with a lip (151 b) and (152 b) designed to retain a plank in position. The height of each lip is dimensioned to hold a plank of a specific dimension. In this example, the bracket can support planks such as standard 2×4 or 2×6 planks.

In another embodiment, FIG. 24 shows the attachment of an eye (305) to base member (200). Here, the eye comprises a platform (310), and a small blunt-edged hook (315) placed in a raised position above the flat surface. The eye (305) is used as part of a guy tire system. For example, one end of a rope can be tied to the eye, while the other end is attached to a roofer, thus providing a fall arrest system. In another application, several eyes can be used in conjunction with ropes to hang or transport wooden planks.

FIGS. 25 and 26 show how the bracket can be used for supporting a plank P on roofs R and R′ of differing slopes. In each case the attachment strip (10 a) is secured to the roof by nails (16) inserted in the slots (12) and resting at the upper ends of these slots. In FIG. 25, the bracket is used on a roof with shallow slope, of about 45°, and the upper member (20) is orientated so that surface (24) faces upwardly and supports the plank P in horizontal position. FIG. 26 shows the situation when the bracket is used on a steep roof angled at about 60°, in which case the upper member (20) is re-positioned on the base (10) so that the surface (26) is uppermost and supports the plank horizontally.

The sloping slots (12) of the base are designed so that the base can easily be removed from a position on the roof, prior to being re-positioned, merely by applying upwards force to its lower end, and without removing the nails (16). For this purpose the lower end of the base extends below the lower end of part (20), so that force can be applied to the base without impacting on part (20).

An embodiment of the base member (400) for attachment to a metal roof is shown in FIG. 27. Here, the base element comprises an upper surface that is a block member (410) with a T-shaped slot (420) extending from one edge (440) of the upper surface (430), towards the opposite edge (450). The slot does not extend through the entire length of the upper surface. The block member (410) includes a small hole (460) for receiving a bolt (not shown) that locks the upper member in place. The block member is attached to a clamping bridge (470) that constitutes part of a seam clamp as previously described.

The foregoing has constituted a description of specific embodiments showing how the invention may be applied and put into use. These embodiments are only exemplary. The invention in its broadest, and more specific aspects, is further described and defined in the claims which now follow.

These claims, and the language used therein, are to be understood in terms of the variants of the invention which have been described. They are not to be restricted to such variants, but are to be read as covering the full scope of the invention as is implicit within the invention and the disclosure that has been provided herein. 

1. A base element for assembly of a roofing bracket, said base element comprising: a fastening means for temporarily attaching the base element to a roof; and an upper surface, wherein said upper surface comprises a means for engagement of an underside of an upper member of said roofing bracket, whereby said upper member can be selectively attached to said base element in a first or second position.
 2. The base element of claim 1, wherein the fastening means comprises slots for receiving nails.
 3. The base element of claim 1, wherein said fastening means is a seam clamp, said seam clamp comprising: a first jaw and second jaw, said first and second jaws each having a top portion; an inner surface with a cavity therein for receiving a standing seam; and an outer surface; a clamping bracket positioned over said first and second jaws, said clamping bracket including a base portion having a first leg and second leg, each leg positioned adjacent a respective one of said outer surfaces, an upper portion, positioned adjacent the top portion of said first jaw and second jaw, joining said legs; and a securing bolt penetrating one of the first or second legs of said clamping bracket for fastening said first and second jaws together, securing said clamping bracket to said first and second jaws, and clamping said first and second jaws to the standing seam, whereby said upper portion of said clamping bracket is attached to the upper surface of the base element.
 4. The base element according to claim 1, wherein said upper surface has keyhole slots, and wherein said underside of said upper member has depending lugs for engaging in said keyhole slots in either of said first and second positions.
 5. The base element according to claim 1, wherein said upper surface has an elongated slot, and wherein said underside of said upper member has a depending elongated lug for engaging in said elongated slot in either of said first and second positions.
 6. The base element according to claim 1, further comprising a means for locking said upper element when said upper element is engaged to said base element.
 7. The base element of claim 1, wherein said upper member has two platform support surfaces oriented so that a first of said platform support surfaces lies at a relatively shallow angle to said underside, and a second of said support surfaces lies at a relatively steep angle to said underside.
 8. The base element according to claim 7, wherein said platform support surfaces form a triangle with said underside, and wherein said first and second positions of the upper member lie at 180° to each other.
 9. The base element according to claim 8, wherein said platform support surfaces and said underside are separated by a triangular web plate.
 10. The base element according to claim 9, wherein said triangular web plate comprises one or more apertures.
 11. The base element according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said first platform support surface lies at an angle of between 40 and 50° to said underside, and wherein said second platform support surface lies at an angle of between 60 and 70° to said support.
 12. The base element according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said first platform support surface lies at an angle of between 40 and 50° to said underside, and wherein said second platform support surface lies at an angle of between 85 and 95° to said support.
 13. The base element according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said platform support surfaces each include a plank retaining lip at an outer end of said platform support surface remote from the underside, said platform support surfaces both being capable of accommodating planks of equal size.
 14. The base element according to claim 13, wherein said platform support surfaces each accommodates a plank of size 2×6 or 2×10.
 15. The base element according to claim 7, wherein said upper member has a platform support surface that is at a right angle to said underside.
 16. The base element according to claim 15, wherein said wherein said platform support surface accommodates a plank of size 2×4 or 2×6.
 17. A roofing bracket for supporting a platform on a sloping roof such that the platform may be generally horizontal, comprising: a base element, said base element comprising a fastening means for temporarily attaching the base element to a roof, and an upper surface; an upper member having an underside readily attachable to said upper surface of the base element in first and second different positions, said upper member having two platform support surfaces oriented so that a first of said platform support surfaces lies at a relatively shallow angle to said underside, and a second of said support surfaces lies at a relatively steep angle to said underside, whereby said upper member can be selectively attached to said base member in said first position at which the first platform support surface is generally horizontal when the roofing bracket is used on a relatively shallow angled roof, and can alternatively be attached to the base member in said second position in which the second platform support surface is generally horizontal when the roofing bracket is used on a relatively steeply angled roof.
 18. The roofing bracket according to claim 17, wherein said platform support surfaces form a triangle with said underside, and wherein said first and second positions of the upper member lie at 180° to each other.
 19. The roofing bracket according to claim 17 or 18, wherein said first platform support surface lies at an angle of between 40 and 50° to said underside, and wherein said second platform support surface lies at an angle of between 60 and 70° to said support.
 20. The roofing bracket according to claim 17 or 18, wherein said first platform support surface lies at an angle of between 40 and 50° to said underside, and wherein said second platform support surface lies at an angle of between 85 and 95° to said support.
 21. The roofing bracket according to claim 17, wherein said base element has a raised portion having keyhole slots, and wherein said underside of said upper member has depending lugs for engaging in said keyhole slots in either of said two positions.
 22. The roofing bracket according to claim 17, wherein said base element has a raised portion having an elongated slot, and wherein said underside of said upper member has a depending elongated lug for engaging in said elongated slot in either of said two positions.
 23. The roofing bracket according to claim 22, wherein said base element comprises a means for locking said upper element onto said base element.
 24. The roofing bracket according to claim 17 or 18, wherein said platform support surfaces each include a plank retaining lip at an outer end of said platform support surface remote from the underside, said platform support surfaces both being capable of accommodating planks of equal size.
 25. The roofing bracket according to claim 24, wherein said platform support surfaces each accommodates a plank with size 2×6 or 2×10.
 26. The roofing bracket according to claim 17, wherein said base element has a flat lower portion adapted to lie against a roof surface.
 27. The roofing bracket according to claim 17, wherein said base element has a lower portion adapted to engage a seam.
 28. A roofing bracket for supporting a platform on a sloping roof such that the platform may be generally horizontal, comprising: a base element, said base element comprising a fastening means for temporarily attaching the base element to a roof, and an upper surface; an upper member having an underside readily attachable to said upper surface of the base element in first and second different positions, said upper member having a platform support surface that lies at a relatively right angle to said underside, whereby said upper member can be selectively attached to said base member in said first position or second position at which the platform support surface is generally horizontal when the roofing bracket is used on a relatively perpendicular roof.
 29. The roofing bracket according to claim 28, wherein said first and second positions of the upper member lie at 180° to each other.
 30. The roofing bracket according to claim 28, wherein said base element has a raised portion having keyhole slots, and wherein said underside of said upper member has depending lugs for engaging in said keyhole slots in either of said two positions.
 31. The roofing bracket according to claim 28, wherein said base element has a raised portion having an elongated slot, and wherein said underside of said upper member has a depending elongated lug for engaging in said elongated slot in either of said two positions.
 32. The roofing bracket according to claim 28, wherein said base element comprises a means for locking said upper element onto said base element.
 33. The roofing bracket according to claim 28 or 29, wherein said platform support surface includes a plank retaining lip at an outer end of said platform support surface remote from the underside.
 34. The roofing bracket according to claim 28 or 29, wherein said platform support surface includes two plank retaining lips at an outer end of said platform support surface remote from the underside, said retaining lips both being capable of accommodating planks of different size.
 35. The roofing bracket according to claim 28, wherein said platform support surfaces each accommodates a plank with size 2×4 or 2×6.
 36. The roofing bracket according to claim 28, wherein said base element has a flat lower portion adapted to lie against a roof surface.
 37. The roofing bracket according to claim 28, wherein said base element has a lower portion adapted to engage a seam. 